The sixth most powerful earthquake on record triggered widespread evacuation orders across multiple countries including the US and Japan

Tsunami waves have reached California and Hawaii several hours after a powerful 8.8 magnitude earthquake in Russia's Far East. The U.S. National Tsunami Warning Center said Wednesday morning that tsunami waves measuring 1.6 feet above tide level have been observed in Arena Cove in the U.S. state of California.

Hawaii Governor Josh Green has urged residents to evacuate all coastal areas immediately, warning that tsunami waves will "wrap around the islands."